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Sharing, caring, learning and growing were common themes at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 45th Commodity Producers Conference this week in Birmingham. Dr. Kevin Folta with the University of Florida inspired about 1,000 farmers attending the conference to be agricultural advocates. “We talk to each other very well, but we don’t talk to others very well,” said Folta during Saturday morning’s …

Alabama farmers are hopeful a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture laid the groundwork for improved farm programs, trade, and communication. Secretary Sonny Perdue told Alabama Farmers Federation leaders he wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to partner with farmers. “My goal is to make….the USDA to be identified, recognized and acknowledged as the most efficient, the most …

Autauga County farmer Harold Gaines stood with his sons Dan and Levi as he told leaders of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee his priority for the 2018 farm bill Saturday morning. “I want to be able to pass on this farm to the next generation and for them to be successful,” Gaines said as Sens. Luther Strange, R-Alabama, and Pat …

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) supports a recommendation from the Peanut Standards Board to revise the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the U.S. The proposed rule, issued May 25 in the Federal Register, would relax the allowance for damaged kernels in farmers’ stock peanuts when sorting and determining segregation. The Peanut Standards …

Rural crime, federal regulations, drug addiction and interstate water wars were on the minds of Etowah County farmers who met Friday with Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Rural crime is important to me,” said Marshall, who hopes to visit other farmers around the state. “I want our office to be a resource for (rural crime) investigators around the state to …

U.S. Senate confirmation of Scott Pruitt as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is welcomed news for Alabama farmers concerned about regulatory overreach. Alabama Farmers Federation National Legislative Programs Director Mitt Walker said Pruitt has a proven record of upholding the law and pushing back when federal agencies go beyond Congressional intent. “There is real excitement in the agricultural …

by Marlee Moore, Alabama Farmers Federation Pickens County farmer Annie Dee was recently selected to serve on the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) Advisory Board, where she fills a pivotal role connecting U.S. farmers to the international development community. Dee is a partner in Dee River Ranch near Aliceville, a family-owned and -operated 10,000-acre diversified farm. Dee said she knows U.S. soybean farmers …

Alabama’s largest farm organization praised President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture. “Gov. Perdue understands Southern agriculture and is a long-time friend of farmers,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “He was raised on a farm and appreciates the importance of agriculture to our health, security and economy.” As governor, Perdue, 70, …

Alabama Farmers Federation members anticipate finding a more favorable regulatory climate under President Donald Trump’s administration when they attend the biennial Washington Legislative Conference March 7-10. The Federation’s Mitt Walker said farmers are hopeful Trump and the 115th Congress will promote policies favorable to agricultural and rural communities, and he anticipates regulatory reform and the farm bill will be main …